Choe Yong Rim Visits

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim inspects ongoing construction work on Nungra Islet in Pyongyang on 18 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 18 May (Saturday) that DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim visited ongoing construction on Nungra Islet in Pyongyang on 17 May.  KCNA reports:

The project is making brisk headway at its final phase under the meticulous guidance of the dear respected Kim Jong Un, conveying the legend about love of leader Kim Jong Il for the people.

The soldier-builders engaged in the project have made remarkable progress in the project in the spirit of conducting an offensive at a breath in hearty response to the order of Kim Jong Un, supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army.

The premier looked round different places of the pleasure ground including the Rungna Dolphin Aquarium to acquaint himself in detail with the progress made in the project.

He underscored the need for the builders to translate into reality the supreme commander’s outlook on people.

He also underlined the need to fully ensure quality in the construction including the modern Rungna Wading Pool as required by the new century and touched upon issues arising in the project.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim is briefed about the construction of a water slide on Nungra Islet on 18 May 20120 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (R) is briefed about the production process at Sakchu Textile Factory on 17 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

On 17 May (Friday) Choe Yong Rim was reported to have visited factories in Ch’angso’ng and Sakchu Counties, North P’yo’ngan Province on Thursday (16 May).  KCNA reports:

Greater efforts are made for the development of the local industry in the county associated with the undying leadership feats of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

Choe toured various places including the Changsong Foodstuff Factory undergoing a dramatic change to acquaint himself in detail with the technical updating and production, and met innovators to give them a pep-talk.

Then followed a consultative meeting.

It stressed the importance of the local industry in improving the standard of the people’s living.

It took steps for the solution of problems arising in invigorating the central and local industries, producing more quality consumer goods of diverse kinds and sprucing up the county.

That day the premier went round the Sakju Textile Factory and the Sakju Foodstuff Factory, too.

Touring the factories increasing production by keeping themselves in full capacity operation, he called for launching dynamic drive for improving the standard of the people’s living by actively tapping raw materials available in localities.

View of Kwaksan land reclamation (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (R) and DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol (L) attend the opening ceremony of the Kwaksan Tideland phase of land reclamation on 16 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA screen grab)

Prior to his visit to Ch’angso’ng County, Choe’s attended the opening ceremony of the Kwaksan land reclamation, which is linked to ongoing land reclamation projects in North P’yo’ngan Province.  Land reclamation was part of Kim Jong Un’s remarks on land management, which were publicized earlier this month.

Workers and officials of the North Phyongan Province Tideland Reclamation Complex built breakwaters in sections extending several thousand meters linking Kwan, Talyang, Woejang and several other islets in a matter of one and half years, turning 1 600 hectares of tideland into cultivated land.

The completion of the projects made it possible for a huge farm to do safe farming and breed fishes and cultivate shallow-sea food. As a result, great progress was made in developing agriculture and improving people’s living standard and another change was made in the map of the country.

A ceremony of the completion of the projects took place on the spot Wednesday.

Present there were Choe Yong Rim, Ro Tu Chol and other officials concerned, officials and builders of the tideland reclamation complex and working people in Kwaksan County.

A letter of thanks from the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee was conveyed to the builders and officials, scientists and technicians who made distinguishing labor feats in the construction of the second-phase project.

The WPK Central Committee highly praised them for successfully building another monumental structure in the Songun era by displaying popular heroism and matchless devotion.

At the end of the ceremony, the participants went round different places of the completed project.

Central Leadership Figures Visit Projects

Choe Ryong Hae is briefed about the construction of the Pyongyang Folk Park (L) on 4 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

Choe Ryong Hae (3rd R) tours ongoing construction at Rungra Islet in Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 5 May (Saturday) that VMar Choe Ryong Hae, director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department (bureau) inspected ongoing construction work at Nungra Island and the Pyongyang Folk Park on 4 May (Friday).  It was Choe’s second reported solo public appearance since his elevation to the National Defense Commission and the Political Bureau Presidium.  KCNA reports:

The project is a giant undertaking to protect from flood the Rungra Pleasure Ground for People whose appearance is changing with each passing day according to the far-reaching plan of the WPK.

When the project is completed, it will help add beauty to the landscape of Rungra Islet and Panwol Islet and provide the people with a centre for a safer and highly civilized cultural and emotional life.

Having received the order of Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un, the solder-builders have made great achievements in carrying out every process of the project in a matter of just 40 odd days since the ground-breaking by displaying popular heroism and matchless devotion.

Going round different sections of the project, the director acquainted himself in detail with the progress made in the construction and the operation of vehicles. He also dropped in at bedrooms of soldier-builders and kitchens to learn about their living.

A consultative meeting took place at the work site.

Cranes at Tanchon Commerical Port (Photo: KCNA)

Crowd assembled for opening ceremony of Tanchon Port (Photo: KCNA)

Meanwhile, DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim spent several days in South Hamgyo’ng Province.  On Thursday (3 May) Choe attended the opening of Tanchon Port.  Among those who traveled out from Pyongyang for the port’s opening were Vice Premier and Chairman of the State Planning Commission Ro Tu Chol and KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department Kwak Pom Gi.  During the 4th Party Conference in April, Ro and Kwak were elected alternate (candidate) members of the Political Bureau.  Kwak was also elected the KWP Secretary and Director of the Finance and Planning Department.  From June 2010 to April 2011, Kwak was chief party secretary for South Hamgyo’ng Province.  KCNA reports:

The construction of the port with a cargo traffic capacity of millions of tons provides a guarantee for greatly contributing to developing the nation’s foreign trade and improving the people’s living standard.

A ceremony for the completion of the construction was held on the spot Thursday.

Present there were Choe Yong Rim, Kwak Pom Gi, Ro Tu Chol and other officials concerned, officials of the Ministry of Land and Marine Transport, builders and working people of industrial establishments in Tanchon City.

Read out there was a joint congratulatory message sent by the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Cabinet of the DPRK to the officials and members of shock brigades who performed labor feats in the construction of the port.

The message highly praised them for successfully building another giant structure in the era of Songun greatly conducive to building an economic power true to the life-time desires and last instructions of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

It expressed belief that they would perform greater feats in the efforts for the country’s prosperity united close around the WPK Central Committee headed by the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

Minister of Land and Marine Transport Kang Jong Gwan, in his speech made for the occasion, said the construction of the port was a brilliant fruition of the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il who initiated the construction of the port and worked heart and soul to translate the desire of the President into a reality till the last moments of his revolutionary life and the clear-sighted guidance and meticulous care of Kim Jong Un.

Speakers at the ceremony pledged themselves to carry out their tasks including dredging in a short span of time in the same spirit as displayed in the construction of the port.

At the end of the ceremony the participants looked round different places of the port.

On the same day, Choe Yong Rim, Ro Tu Chol and other Cabinet officials visited Tanch’o'n Smeltery and the Tanch’o'n Magnesia Factory.  KCNA reports:

He went round the newly built cultural and welfare facilities and construction site of combined fire-proof materials production process.

Looking round the facilities he said that the officials should serve the convenience of the workers on a priority basis and look after their life with care, keeping deep in their minds the dear respected Kim Jong Un’s maxim of loving the people.

He also stressed the need to finish the construction of the fire-proof materials production process in a short period of time and keep the production going successfully by putting the production processes on a modern and scientific basis.

The premier went to the Tanchon Smeltery, which Kim Jong Il gave field guidance in his lifetime.

Touring various places of the Smeltery, he mentioned the need to increase the production of processed goods by introducing advanced technologies, setting up new processes, further heightening the level of technical skills and laying material and technical foundations for the timely and successful dressing of concentrated ores.

At a consultation meeting the premier stressed the need for everyone to turn out in the building of an economic power to register higher production records, remaining true to the noble intention of Kim Jong Il.

DPRK Choe Yong Rim (3rd L) is briefed about production at the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province on 4 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim tours the Hu’ngnam Fertilizer Complex in South Hamgyo’ng Province on 4 May 2012. Also seen in attendance is Vice Premier Ro Tu Chol (L) (Photo: KCNA)

On Friday (4 May), the same group visited factories in Hamhu’ng.  KCNA reports:

He looked round the February 8 Vinalon Complex, the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, the Ryongsong Machine Complex, the Hungnam Pharmaceutical Factory and renovated Sinhung Restaurant associated with footprints of leader Kim Jong Il.

Workers in Hamhung City are bringing about a great surge in the drive to build an economic power, true to the behests of Kim Jong Il.

He acquainted himself with the production at the complexes and factory and convened consultative meetings.

The meetings discussed the issues of increasing and stepping up the production of carbide and vinalon as well as fertilizers.

The meetings also took measures for pushing ahead with the production of custom-built equipment including high-performance compressor needed for various fields of national economy, increasing the production of medicines and finishing the renovation project at an early date.

Then, he went round Sinhung Restaurant.

He called on the employees of the Restaurant to perform their mission and role as servants for people, true to the Party’s slogan “We Serve the People!”

Choe Yong Rim tours the 8 February Vinalon Complex (Photo: KCNA)

Choe Yong Rim visits Sinhung Restaurant (Photo: KCNA)

Workers’ Orgs to Hold Conferences in May and June

National headquarters of the Kim Il Sung Youth League (L) and the Korea Democratic Women’s Union (R) in Pyongyang (Photo: Google image)

DPRK state media reported on 4 May (Friday) that the four major Workers’ Organizations will hold membership conferences “from late May to early June.”  KCNA reports:

Conferences of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea and the Democratic Women’s Union of Korea are to be held here from late May to early June.

Discussed there will be the tasks of the working people’s organisations to hold in high esteem President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il as eternal leaders of the Party and revolution, carry through the decision of the Fourth Conference of the Workers’ Party of Korea and build a thriving socialist nation under the guidance of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

It is not clear if the Workers’ Organizations’ conferences are linked to another large gathering in Pyongyang connected to boosting the country’s food supply.  Good Friends reported on its website on 2 May (Wednesday) that “the new leadership decided to hold a homeland meeting in Pyongyang early in May with the intent of preparing measures to resolve the problem of food shortages.  Three to four functionaries of related fields from each county, and even larger numbers from each city are continuing to gather in Pyongyang. . .the scale is second only to the party representatives’ conference held on 11 April.”  Good Friends also reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n), “personally ordered the meeting to be held, saying that good methods of food production should be sought fundamentally.”

AFP reports:

North Korean officials from across the country will meet in Pyongyang this month to discuss ways to boost agriculture in the food-scarce nation, a Seoul aid group said on Thursday.

The ‘Homeland Conference’ will focus on ways to expand farmland in the mountainous nation by cultivating rugged areas and inactive land, Good Friends said on its website.

The meeting will draw hundreds of people including central and local government officials, ruling communist party officials and other state agencies, making it as large as a party meeting last month, the aid group said.

Seoul’s unification ministry could not immediately confirm the reported meeting, for which the aid group gave no date.

The North suffered a famine which killed hundreds of thousands in the 1990s and severe food shortages continue. UN agencies said last November that three million people would need food aid this year and child malnutrition was rising.

Good Friends said the Pyongyang meeting would also consider a chronic workforce shortage in agriculture.

Many collectivised farms suffer high rates of absenteeism as farmers roam in search of roots and wild greens to compensate for grain shortages, it said.

May Day Celebrated

Kim Jong Un visits an e-library during a tour of factories in North P’yo’ngan Province (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 2 May (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and other members of the central leadership participated in events commemorating International Labor Day (May Day).  KJU was reported as having visited Taegwan Glass Factory in North P’yo’ngan Province, as well as a machine factory managed by Ho Chol Yong.  KJU was reported to have visited the same machine plant in January 2012.  KCNA reports:

He was accompanied by senior officials of the party and army including Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Song Thaek, Hyon Chol Hae, Pak To Chun, Kim Phyong Hae, Ri Jae Il, Kim Myong Guk, Son Chol Ju, Yun Tong Hyon, Hwang Pyong So, Kang Kwan Il and Pak Jong Chon.

The first leg of his visit was the Taegwan Glass Factory.

As he arrived at the factory, he extended warm congratulations and salute to its workers significantly marking the international holiday of the workers all over the world that demonstrates their might and revolutionary solidarity.

He, to begin with, saw modern optical measuring instruments developed by the factory.

He praised its workers for developing modern optical measuring instruments and working hard to raise their utility rate after acquainting himself with the principle of their operation and performance.

He went round various places of the factory including its designing room, automation room, e-library and sample room to learn in detail about the technological updating and production at the factory.

Making the rounds of various rooms at the comprehensive electronic service center which looks like a scientific research institute, he was pleased with the great progress made by the workers there in their efforts to put all the processes of production on a modern and scientific basis ranging from designing of products to processing and assembling.

He set forth the tasks to serve as guidelines for management and production at the factory, noting that the demand for modern glass products and optical instruments is on the daily increase.

The next leg of his guidance was the Machine Plant Managed by Ho Chol Yong.

Making the rounds of the general assembling shop, sheet metal processing shop and various other production processes, he acquainted himself in detail with production, mechanism, performance and technical specifications of machines.

He praised the officials, workers, scientists and technicians of the plant for manufacturing modern machines of Korean style, noting that the machines produced by the plant are very good in their performance and paying off in reality.

After seeing machines, he put forth important tasks facing the plant.

Then he went round the Kangsong Health Complex newly built at the plant.

The complex covering a total plottage of more than 10 000 square meters consists of a swimming pool, wading pool, shower rooms, public baths and private baths, dining hall, kitchen and photo studio on the first floor and a gymnasium, table tennis room, e-library, barber’s, beauty parlor and amusement room on the second floor.

At the swimming pool and wading pool, he was pleased to see swimming and wading workers. He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that they have come to have good rest at the wonderful place.

He had a photo session with the servants of the Kangsong Health Complex, expressing expectation that they would devotedly serve the workers.

Telling the officials that he would like to spread a carpet in the compound for the workers of the plant, he wished them steady success in production.

He had a photo session with the soldier-builders who creditably discharged the duty of the KPA in building the health complex for the workers of the plant.

View of the performance of “Family of General” by the U’nhasu Orchestra on International Labor Day (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un waves to the audience attending the U’nhasu Orchestra concert “Family of General” on International Labor Day. Also in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (R), director of the KPA General Political Department (bureau), and Kim Kyong Hui (L), KJU’s aunt and a KWP Secretary who appears to have a bandaged finger on her right hand (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un also attended a concert entitled, “Family of General,” given by the U’nhasu Orchestra.  This was KJU’s last reported public appearance.  KCNA reports:

Put on the stage were mixed sextet and chorus “May, Month of Victory”, male duet “This Honor of Raftsmen Is Boundless”, female solo and pangchang “Family of the General”, male solo and pangchang “The 2 000-ri Amnok River”, orchestral music “Chollima Gallops Forward” and other colorful numbers.

Through famous songs the performers sang high praises of the feats of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

Some of the audience were invited to the stage.

Conspicuously decorating the stage were solos of Han Yong Bin of the Jangsuwon Cooperative Farm in Samsok District and Kim Yong Suk, a worker of the Phyongsong Synthetic Leather Factory, who proved successful at the national contests of songs of working people several times, “Song of National Salvation Struggle” and “What Is Life?” of cinema stars who played at multi-part feature film “The Nation and Destiny” (workers), duet “We Are a Worker-Couple” of Ri Jong Son and Kim Pong Suk, a couple of demilitarized soldier-workers of Hungnam, comic chat and song “We Will Glorify the Honor of Coal Miners” of Ri Sun Hong, a merited artiste of the Mansudae Art Troupe loved by the people, song “Oh, My Favored Work Site” of a soloist of the Unhasu Orchestra and Kim Yong Suk, secretary of the party primary committee of the Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang Textile Mill, and male chorus and chorus “Push Back the Frontiers of Latest Science and Technology” of students of Kim Chaek University of Techno logy.

Kim Jong Un waved back to the cheering performers and audience and congratulated the performers on their successful performance.

Among the audience were Choe Ryong Hae, Kim Kyong Hui, Jang Song Thaek, Pak To Chun, Kim Ki Nam, Hyon Chol Hae, Kim Phyong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok and Kwak Pom Gi, officials of the party and armed forces organs and working people’s organizations, working people of industrial establishments of the major domains of the national economy and agricultural workers, scientists and researchers in the fields of science and education and students.

Invited to enjoy the concert were diplomatic envoys of different countries and representatives of international organizations here and other foreign guests.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim starts a tug of war during a factory visit he made on International Labor Day (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that other members of the central leadership visited factories on May Day, where they attended rallies and report meetings.  KCNA reports:

Among them were Choe Yong Rim, Kim Ki-nam, Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong, Kang Sok Ju, Mun Kyong Dok, Ro Tu Chol and officials of the cabinet, working people’s organizations, ministries, national institutions, local party and power bodies. They went to the Sangwon Cement Complex, Pyongyang 326 Electric Wire Factory, Pyongyang Thermal Power Plant, Taean Heavy Machine Complex, Chollima Steel Complex, Namhung Youth Chemical Complex, Chongsan Co-op Farm in Kangso District and other institutions, factories, enterprises and farms to congratulate workers, agricultural workers and intellectuals on the holiday.

They laid floral baskets and bouquets before the statues of President Kim Il Sung and his smiling portraits and mosaics depicting Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.

Touring the revolutionary museums, rooms devoted to the history of relevant units and other places they recalled the revolutionary careers and devoted efforts by the peerlessly great persons of Mt. Paektu.

The senior officials felt once again that the Korean working people could discharge their missions and duties as master of the country and the revolution thanks to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

They met and conversed with innovators and encouraged them to bring about fresh success in their work.

Together with working people they played colorful sports and amusement games including tug of war, chess and Yut games and enjoyed art performances.

They requested all the working people to become heroes of the times and performers of feats in the worthwhile struggle for fresh victory of the Juche revolution under the leadership of the dear respected Kim Jong Un.

KWP Secretary Kim Ki Nam presides over what appears to be a ssiru’m match, during visits made to factories and production facilities on International Labor Day (Photo: KCNA)

People’s Security Delegation Visits China

A delegation of the Ministry of People’s Security [MPS] visited China from 26 April to 1 May (Tuesday).  The delegation was led by Major General Ri Song Chol (Ri So’ng-ch’o'l), MPS councilor and director of the MPS Foreign Affairs Bureau.  The primary reason for Ri’s visit was not clear and may have been arranged when Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] International Secretary Kim Yong Il visited Beijing late last month for a DPRK-PRC strategic dialogue.

On 27 April (Friday), Maj. Gen. Ri met with Chinese Vice Minister of Public Security Meng Hongwei.  The two were last reported to have met in June 2011.  According to Renmin Gongan Bao, Meng told Ri, “Since February 2011 when State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu visited the DPRK, China and the DPRK have further developed their cooperation in law enforcement and security thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides. It is hoped that the two sides would further implement the consensus on cooperation reached between the responsible officials of the law-enforcement departments of the two countries, continue strengthening high-level exchanges and work cooperation, and lead the friendly cooperation between the two sides to a pragmatic, mutual-beneficial, and win-win development.”  Ri was described as “totally” agreeing with Meng’s remarks.

Ri’s visit to Beijing occurred on the same day two members of the Border Security Command were repatriated back to the DPRK, after escaping to China.  Daily NK reported that after an alleged bureaucratic migration, two BSC service members shot and killed several members of their unit near Hyesan, Yanggang Province.  The two guards escaped into China and were apprehended on 27 April.

MRLs Sent to South Hamgyo’ng

MLRS vehicles parade through the city of centre of Hamhung on 19 April 2012 during a presentation ceremony (Photo: KCNA)

Multiple launch rocket systems [MLRS] were sent to Korean People’s Army [KPA] units in South Hamgyo’ng on the occasion of the official anniversary of the KPA’s foundation.  DPRK state media reported that a presentation ceremony was held in the provincial capital of Hamhu’ng on 19 April (Thursday).  According to KCNA some assembly of the MRLS was done by members of two Korean Worker’ Party Workers’ Organizations, the Korean Democratic Women’s Union [KDWU] and the Kim Il Sung Youth League.

KCNA reports:

Multiple-launch rocket systems “Sonyon-ho” and “Nyomaeng-ho” manufactured with the assistance of school youth and children and members of the Democratic Women’s Union of Korea (DWUK) across the country were presented to units of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) with due ceremony at Hamhung Square in South Hamgyong Province on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the KPA.

Those rockets are associated with their will to remain true to the Party’s songun [military-first] revolutionary leadership generation after generation and their patriotic desire to make contributions to bolstering the nation’s defence capability.

Present at the ceremony were Jon Yong Nam, first secretary of the C.C., the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League; Ro Song Sil, chairwoman of the C.C., DWUK; and officials concerned, service personnel of the KPA, school youth and children, members of the Women’s Union and people in the province.

Presentation addresses and speeches were made.

At the end of the ceremony the rocket systems left for units of the KPA amid warm send-off of school youth and children, women’s union members and other people in Hamhung City.

Huichon Power Station Opened

Photo released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 6, 2012 shows the inauguration ceremony held at the Huichon power station in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on April 5, 2012. The DPRK said on April 6 that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital. The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports. (Xinhua/KCNA)

The DPRK opened the Hu’ich’o'n Power Station in Chagang Province on Thursday (5 April).  Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim, National Defense Commission [NDC] Vice Chairman and Minister of the People’s Armed Forces VMar Kim Yong Chun, KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok, KWP Secretary and Director of General Affairs Tae Jong Su, Gen. Yun Jong Rin and DPRK Vice Premier and State Planning Commission Chairman Ro Tu Chol were among the members of the central leadership to attend the opening ceremony.  Choe Yong Rim delivered the keynote address.  Choe was last reported to have visit the construction site of Huichon Power Station on 20 February 2012.  Xinhua reports:

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Friday that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital.

Premier Choe Yong Rim told an inauguration ceremony on Thursday that the Huichon power station was “a brilliant fruition of the wise guidance of late leader Kim Jong Il,” official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported.

The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports.

The Central Committee and Central Military Commissions of the Workers’ Party of Korea sent a joint congratulatory message to builders and members of shock brigades.

The party “will always remember the heroic feats performed by the builders who erected a gigantic structure for the country’s prosperity and its people’s happiness,” the message said.

The message said it took only three years to complete the construction of the power station, a project which normally needs more than 10 years to finish.

The Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly issued a decree on April 1 awarding the Kim Il Sung Prize for the design of the Huichon power station.

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim delivers the keynote address during an opening ceremony of Huichon Power Station in Jagang Province on Thursday, April 5 (Photo: KCNA)

Photo released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 6, 2012 shows the Huichon power station in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The DPRK said on April 6 that its Huichon power station has started operations, which will help ease electricity shortages in the capital. The power station, located in Jagang Province, will also help protect cultivated land and residential areas along the Chongchon River from flooding, and ensure an ample supply of water to the industrial establishments in Huichon and Namhung areas, according to official media reports. (Xinhua/KCNA)

Yonhap reports:

North Korea said Friday that it has dedicated a new hydroelectric power plant in its central northern area bordering China, a project long touted as a symbol of its bid for the construction of a “strong and prosperous state.”

“The construction of the Huichon Power Station has been completed in the DPRK,” the North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, adding that a dedication ceremony took place on Thursday.

DPRK is the acronym for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“The builders finished the construction of the power station in a matter of three years though it would have taken more than a decade at normal pace,” the KCNA said.

Chronic shortage of electricity and other energy has long been one of the problems beleaguering the North’s moribund economy, which has been under sanctions by the international community due to its nuclear and missile tests.

“The completion makes it possible to more satisfactorily settle the shortage of electricity in Pyongyang, protect cultivated land and residential areas along the River Chongchon from flooding and ensure an ample supply of industrial water to the industrial establishments in the Huichon and Namhung areas,” KCNA said.

The plant, which has a generating capacity of 300,000 kilowatts, was launched by late leader Kim Jong-il, who reportedly visited the construction site eight times before his death last December to order an early completion of the project.

North Korea has designated 2012 as a moment in its history to rise as “a great, powerful and prosperous nation” — a propaganda slogan that was spearheaded by Kim Jong-il.

New economic goals were announced in 2009 that called for undertaking major construction projects as well as modernizing farms and factories in time for the centennial birth of the communist country’s founder, Kim Il-Sung, on April 15.

Earlier, North Korea announced plans to launch a satellite on the back of a long-range rocket as part of the April celebrations. The international community has urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, warning that it would be seen as a violation of a ban on missile activity.

The Associated Press reports:

The opening of the Huichon Power Station in Jagang Province, north of Pyongyang, was the first big ceremony in a month of celebrations timed for the April centenary of the birth of late President Kim Il Sung.

The power station on the Chongchon River, which had been under construction for more than three years, was a favored project of late leader Kim Jong Il. Kim had visited the project at least five times before his December death.

Son Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s new leader, visited the construction site with his father in August 2011.

The power station is North Korea’s largest, with two dams and a network of tunnels. The dams harness water from the Jangja and Chongchon Rivers. Construction on a second power station further down the Chongchon River is due to begin soon, said the top officials who spoke at Thursday’s ceremony.

North Korea suffers from an acute power shortage.

New economic goals announced in 2009 called for undertaking major construction projects such as the Huichon Power Station as well as modernizing farms and factories in time for the April 2012 festivities.

North Korea will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth on April 15.

North Korea also has announced plans to launch a satellite on the back of a long-range rocket as part of the celebrations. The United States and other nations have urged Pyongyang to cancel the launch, warning that it would be seen as a violation of a ban on missile activity.

Party Conference Scheduled for April 11

DPRK state media reported that the 4th Korean Workers’ Party Conference (Meeting of Party Representatives) will convene on 11 April (Wednesday), after provincial and ministerial party conferences completed electing delegates.  KCNA reports:

Meetings of the party committees of the Korean People’s Army, all the provinces (political bureau), cities (district) and counties were successfully held to elect delegates to the Fourth Conference of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).

The meetings elected Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the WPK, state and army, as a delegate to the Fourth WPK Conference, reflecting the unanimous will and desire of all the party members, service personnel and people.

The meetings also elected officials and other working people who performed merits in strengthening the party and accomplishing the cause of the Juche revolution, the cause of songun revolution, as delegates to the WPK Conference.

The Fourth Conference of the WPK will take place in Pyongyang on April 11. The preparatory committee for the WPK Conference made it clear.

Yonhap reports:

North Korea will hold a key political conference next week, the country’s state media reported Monday, amid rising tensions over Pyongyang’s planned rocket launch.

The Workers’ Party will convene the conference in Pyongyang on April 11, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said in a dispatch.

The North has elected its leader Kim Jong-un as a delegate to the conference, “reflecting the unanimous will and desire of all the party members, service personnel and people,” the dispatch said.

The conference is expected to be closely watched by regional officials and analysts for Kim’s possible promotion to top posts held by his late father, Kim Jong-il.

The young leader, believed to be in his late 20s, has become the supreme commander of the 1.1 million-strong military as he took over the country following the death of his father in December.

The North is also scheduled to hold a separate parliamentary session on April 13, the first such meeting since the demise of Kim Jong-il.

The announcement comes as the communist country vowed repeatedly to go ahead with the long-range rocket launch in defiance of international warnings and pressure.

The North has claimed that the launch set for sometime between April 12 and 16 is designed to put an earth observation satellite into orbit.

Meanwhile a Swiss newspaper, citing one of his classmates, reports that KJU was routinely absent from class when he studied at the International School of Berne.  This may explain some previous reporting that KJU’s time in Berne as cloistered.

AFP reports:

Kim, who is 29, was absent for 75 days in his first year at the International School of Bern, according to Le Matin Dimanche, while in his second year, he missed 105 days of classes.

The boy, who was registered under the pseudonym Un Pak, was sometimes in school only in the afternoons, said the newspaper, quoting an unnamed former classmate.

Not surprisingly then that Kim failed natural sciences with 3.5 out of 6, and obtained a just minimum passing score of four for mathematics, culture and society and German.

Even in English, where he was placed in an advanced class before being downgraded to an average one, he obtained the minimum pass grade.

Only in music and technical studies did he obtain 5.

This was despite the fact that Kim, who was born January 8, 1983, was in a class of children mostly born in 1985 due to his poor level of German — the main language used in the Swiss capital Bern.

KJU Election as Delegate Endorsed by Local Party Conferences

Kim Jong Un (C) attending a concert by the U'nhasu Orchestra in March. Also seen in attendance is DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (L) and Jang Song Taek (R)

The Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] has continued to hold provincial party conferences to elect delegates (party representatives) to the 4th Party Conference to be held in the middle of April.  Participants in the provincial party conferences endorsed the election of Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) as a delegate to the 4th Party Conference.  According to KCNA, provincial party conferences were held in Jagang, South Hwanghae, North P’yo’ngan and Kangwo’n and a city party conference was held in Raso’n (Rajin-So’nbong is one of three province-level cities).  On 26 March, KJU was elected a delegate to the 4th Party Conference by the party organization (KWP committee) of the Korean People’s Army [KPA].

KCNA reports:

Present there were delegates elected at the party organizations of cities and counties in the provinces and those performing the same function as theirs’ and the party organizations of the provincial institutions.

The delegates paid silent tribute to leader Kim Jong Il.

The meetings discussed the election of delegates to the WPK Conference.

Addresses on electing the dear respected Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the WPK and the Korean people, as a delegate to the WPK Conference were made at the meetings.

The addresses said that Kim Jong Il defended the socialist country and laid the foundation for the happy life of the Korean people while hewing the untrodden difficult path in the van with his iron will and superhuman energy.

Kim Jong Un is the supreme leader of the WPK and the Korean people who is leading to victory the revolutionary cause of Juche and the cause of building a thriving nation which was pioneered by President Kim Il Sung and advanced by Kim Jong Il, the addresses noted, adding that the ideological and theoretical guidelines have been provided to boundlessly glorify the Juche idea and the Songun idea and the day of victory of the revolutionary cause of Juche and the cause of building a thriving nation is coming near thanks to the energetic ideological and theoretical activities and tested leadership of Kim Jong Un.

The addresses praised him as the great statesman who is wisely leading the revolution and construction as a whole with his tested leadership and the general of Mt. Paektu style who is making the DPRK shed its rays as a military power, possessed of the distinguished quality and trait and organizational ability that no one can match.

The addresses courteously proposed to elect him as a delegate to the WPK Conference, representing the unanimous will and desire of all the party members and other people in the provinces and the city.

At the meetings speakers fully supported and approved the proposal on electing him as a delegate to the WPK Conference.

The meetings unanimously adopted decisions on electing him as a delegate to the WPK Conference.

The meetings elected delegates to the WPK Conference.

Yonhap reports:

After a series of party meetings countrywide, North Korea has elected new leader Kim Jong-un as a delegate to this month’s ruling party conference, the North’s state media said Sunday, in a move seen by outside analysts as another effort to consolidate Kim’s grip on power.

The North’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) plans to hold a special session on April 13 and is expected to appoint the young Kim, believed to be in his late 20s, to the post of general secretary of the party. The same post was held by his late father Kim Jong-il.

The young leader became supreme commander of the North’s 1.1 million-strong military shortly after his father’s death in December, as he progressively takes more control of the communist country.

Announcing Kim as a WPK delegate, representatives “praised him as the great statesman who is wisely leading the revolution and construction as a whole with his tested leadership,” according to an English-language report by the Korean Central News Agency.

Ahead of the upcoming special session, the party meetings represented “the unanimous will and desire of all the party members and other people,” the report continued.

North Korea is preparing a grandiose celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of late founding leader Kim Il-sung, grandfather of Kim Jong-un, on April 15.

In the first international conflict since the death of Kim Jong-il, North Korea has vowed to press ahead with a plan to launch a long-range rocket, ostensibly to put a satellite into orbit, between April 12 and 16, rebuffing a chorus of international warnings.

South Korea, the United States and Japan have demanded North Korea call off the planned launch, warning it would violate a U.N. resolution that bans any ballistic missile tests by the communist country.

North Korea has refused to budge, arguing that it has a sovereign right to fire the rocket as part of its “peaceful” exploration of the space.